Steam heating boiler control system



Aug. 28, 1951 c. SIMMONS STEAM HEATING BOILER CONTROL SYSTEM 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 26, 1947 Aug- 28, 1951 l.. c. SIMMONS l I 2,566,041

STEAM HEATING BOILER CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Sept. 26, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.'

Lam/renne IlEmTr-uml Aug. 28, 1951 L. c. SIMMONS STEAM HEATING BOILER CONTROL SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 26, 1947 JNVENTOR: awrene E Elmmuns,

Patented Aug. 28, 1951 Lawrence C. Simmons', Ossining,`

N. Y., assignori to Tin-New York Central` Railroad- Compa-m5,.

New York, N. Y., a corporation of NewYork Appucauon septemiier'zs, 1947;"seriarNrvvisclf v 2v claims.v (01.158436)- This inventionzrelates to steam heating boiler! controlv systems, and` particularly to means for controlling and-regulating. the supplies of fuel,

such as liquid hydrocarbon fuel, and a` gaseous'. fuel atomizing or conditioning mediurr1,sucl'1- as'l air or steam, or both, to the-burner of a boilerA heater or steam generator. of a steam heating.

or supply system, More.. particularly theinvention relates to' a steamgenerator. an'dcontrollinfg. and regulating meanslofthewcharacter described for installation onan electric or Diesel locomotive vor on abaggage or other car for cooperation,

for controlling. and regulating the supplies. of:

the fuel anda fuelconditioning element orswhirb ing agent to the burner whereby the boiler-cor.

` steam generator is heated, so. that awideera'ngei low-pressure burner of whirlztypeproducingiand.

burning a highly atomized fuel, may beiusedl,

with resultantgreater economy and eiciencyfas compared with those.v heretofore. used;

One object ofi the invention is" to. provi-de.: a..

controlmeans of the. character and for. the pur' pose described which is simple of construction butr adapted to control thesupplies of the fuel and. conditioning and whirling agent to thefburner ina regulated mannerv asrequired andautomatically responsive to boilery conditions.

Another object of the invention is to provide` a control system which reduces liability of irregularitiesin the burner operation and effects a saving in the use of the fuel and its condition-- ing agent.

With these and other objects in View, the invention consists of the features of constructiom, combination and arrangement of parts, herein'` after fully described and claimed, reference being' had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic'view of aheating: system embodying the novel features of my in-'fvention. i Y g,

Figures 2 and 3 vare similar viewsfof the-wiring of. the electric control ci-rcuit'is'-,y thereof.

,motor I2, a steamfturbine 2; Figureil isalongitudinalSectionfoftl burner' employed in theJ System. Fig-ure 5 -i-sa 'longitudinal-sectinthroughlpartsl shown-in-Figure-fon ari-enlarged scale Figuressy 7, 85 andi areeross-sectiors ori-tl-iei lines-6 6, 1'1f,1.8 8*a`lnd 9 9 of Figure 5.

Figurel1-0 is-a cro`ss-sectionon line Ill-Illt-ofi-L Figure 111 through# the burner ti-p.l

VFigure 1l is` a View partl-'yfi-n Sid'elevation ati-id`x partly -in-section; taken-oril- -in'e LIT-loi ofFiguref 9'- ofthe vburnertip.`Y y A A Figure 112l a pers'per/'tiveViewv of the feedpluge This new control systef islv designdi f.'i1*u`"s'e"l witha-lowepressure, wideangeitype ofi burner suchas# shown,- yfor example; ligui'fes'f` 4b to= 12-1- herein and fcover'e'd byl algiplicatio'rlrA forpatent-v ll'ed September 26,` 194751 Sr.- Noa.'77653303,l andi... executed of' even'5dat1 orA with: other burners ofthe-sameftypea 'Ehe 'cOntr-OISyStem; which varies in@ certainfimprtant partcula fromf that.. shown inl the Hamilton and-S Rowelll paten-ttov controll thel'supply off.atomizabl'e:fuel?.Y with air .or airl and steamas a=fga's'e'c usucom'b'us' i`- tio'nvpromoting andA urhirlingil medium; to' ther burner for a! startingactionaiandA to thereafterpreferably. supply steam alone-'as .'thefA combustiorr. promoting Vand whirling.- mediumeand; to:regulateV the supply. offuel andisteam tothefburner ac.'- cording. to. working: conditions-inf the? boiler, fsoA as to ensurepr'oper..atomizati'on ofthelfueland.;

economy, effciencyan'd.v safe; operatiortof the" apparatus underiall. conditions', asfhereinafterdee scribed. H. w Referring now more particularly to. Figurefxlf, of the. drawings, 2.. and 3frepresent generally and` respectively the main., water, .stearn'ry and air.: pipings .off thefeed and control parts ofr thefs'ys-v tempt thesuperheateds-team service` pipe for supplying: steamto thei car heatersv 5` the. boiler`V or; steam= generator.; and efits. safety valve?l or valves, 6,1, respectively, the hydrocarbonliquid` .andfeed water Ysupply tanksfoly the system; ils-theburner. in the' combustion chamber of: the' boiler.; j 9: the main :fuel` oi1- sup'ply pipe, for conducting, oil from the 'tankl* to be Ypumped .to the burner.; loka; steam driven water-feedfpump for supplying;- waterv fromthe tankl to the. boiler; and; l I af turbo-electroemotor.foil pumpandblower; unitiV for supplyingvtheliquid fuel and;combustionair) to the 1 burner, said unit'compris-ing;V an electric-.r I3; an foilsl pumpi; 14 and a blower l5, allor.Whicl-'1 ,v aswell-.as certainr: water control features, -noirherein: described, .may conform generally, to sthe.. similarl parts show-n the-aforesaidl-Iami-ltonr and Rant/ell.patentI The burner 8 employed is one of wideranger-' jtype having a whirl chamber for atomizing the fuel and tangential passages for supplying streams of atomizing air or steam thereto and causing the same to whirl in the chamber and eject from the chamber fuel oil in the form of minute globules.

This burner 8 comprises an outer jacket or casing I6 extending atits inner end into the combustion chamber ofthe boiler and provided at such end with a flame spreader l1. At its outer end the jacket is provided with a fuel inlet port I8, connected with the delivery end 9 of the fuel supply pipe 9, and with an air or steam inlet port I9 connected with an atomizing pipe 20. This pipe 2U in turn is connected with the pipe 3, which leads from a source of compressed air, such as the main air reservoir of the locomotive, and with a steam supply pipe 2| leading from the pipe 4, whereby compressed air or superheated steam may be supplied to the atomizing line for passage to the burner, as hereinafter described.

Disposed within the outer casing or jacket I6 is an inner burner casing or tube 22 having a cap 23 formed with an inwardly extending ange 24 defining an outlet opening 25 at the discharge end of the burner. In the casing or tube 22 is mounted a fuel conducting pipe or tube 26, the bore 21 of which forms an oil supply passage. This tube is spaced from the tube 22 and its cap 23 to provide an annular air or steam supply passage 28. Passage 21 communicates at its rear end with port I8, while passage 28 communicates at its rear end with port I9.

The bore or passage 21 of the conductor 28 is counterbored or recessed at its forward end, as at 29, to receive a hollow oil feed plug 30. This plug has an open rear end communicating with the passage 21 and is closed at its front end 3D', the latter having a plane front face 3| lying flush with the forward end of the tube26. The forward portion of this plug is externally reduced in diameter, as shown at 32, to form with the opposed portion of the wall of the recess 29 a shallow, annular oil delivery passage 33 opening outwardly about the face 3l of the plug. Formed in the plug is an annular set or series of equally spaced radial feed ports 34 which communicate at their inner ends with the interior of the plug and at their outer ends with said oil delivery passage 33. Oil under pressure may thus flow from passage 21 into the plug and outward through the ports 34 to the passage 33 for supply in a regulated amount to the burner tip or atomizer 35.

The burner tip or atomizer 35 is disposed between the forward end of the conductor 26 and the inwardly extending flange 24 at the front of the cap 23. This tip is of generally circular form and has a body portion 36 of less diameter than the internal diameter of the cap 23 but of greater diameter than the portion 32 of the plug 30, a front face 31, a rear face 38, and a central passage 39 forming a whirl chamber. The front face 31 of the tip is arranged to bear against the flange 24 of the cap 23 and adjacent thereto the tip is provided with a circumferential flange 40 which bears against the inner periphery of the cap and spaces the body portion 36 of the tip from said surface of the cap. The rear face 38 of the tip is arranged to bear against the front end of the conductor 28 and the front face 3l of the plug 30, and extending rearwardly from this face 38 of the tip is a flange 4I which overlaps the reduced front portion 42 of the conductor 26 and centers the tip with relation thereto and Yto the plug30. y. 'l

The burner tip is provided in its rear portion with a set of fuel and air or steam conducting channels or passages 43 and at a suitable point between said channels 43 and an ejection outlet 44 at the front of the whirl chamber 39 with a set of air or steam conducting channels or passages 45, the channels of each set extending from its periphery toward and enteringthe wliirl chamber substantially tangentially thereto. The channels of each set are formed by boring or drilling them in contradistinction to milling them, by which they may be more economically produced and also more accurately dimensioned for fuel and steam suppliexin proper ratios and arranged to secure a more eiicient whirling action and atomization of the oil. At least two sets of channels are provided for these purposes, one for mixed jets of oil and air or steam and the other for jets of air or steam alone, to make up for reduction in the sizes of the channels necessitated by drilling and which in the use of a single set might cause undesirable restriction to steam flow. Any number of sets or rows of bored channels, suitably dimensioned and placed at spaced points axially of the tip, may be used to increase the whirl velocity and adapt the burner to atomize heavy hydrocarbon oils or to spin powdered coal at the velocity necessary to use it as fuel. In the present instance two such sets or rows of channels are disclosed to secure feed and velocityratios sufcient for the fine atomization of hydrocarbon oil of a certain viscosity, but by the use of one or more additional rows velocities sufficient for atomization of heavier hydrocarbon oils or to spin powdered coal may be obtained.

In the construction illustrated the channels 43 are arranged at the inner end of the tip and consist of circular bores formed in the flange 4| and alined grooves in the face 38 extending from the flange to the inner end of the chamber 39, while the channels 45 are in the form of continuous circular bores extending from the outer periphery of the tip to and intersecting the chamber 39 at a point between the channels and the ejection outlet 44. As shown in this particular instance the channels 45 intersect the chamber 39 at a point somewhat in advance of its transverse center and between its transverse center and the outlet 44, but this arrangement may be varied as circumstances may require. The grooved portions of the channels 43 are closed at the rear by the surface 3l of the plug 38 and communicate with the oil feed passage 21 at a point between their outer ends and the chamber 39, while both sets of channels 43 and 45 communicate at their outer ends with the air or steam passage 28. While steam has been more particularly described above as the atomizing, combustion-promoting and whirling medium, used, it is to be understood that under certain conditions or for certain installations air, air and steam combined, or any suitable'gaseous whirling medium may be employed.

In the operation of the burner for general purposes, the liquid fuel to be atomized is supplied continuously to the passage 21, from which it flows into the plug 3D and through the ports 34 in the latter to the annular passage 33, from which it is delivered into the channels 43 at an intermediate point in the length of each of said channels. At the same time low-pressure steam or air flows from the passage 28 into both sets of channels 43 and 45. The streams or jets of steam or air entering the channels 43 pick up and are chamber 39. at high velocity and are caused to-y Whirl therein by which a high degree ofatomizae` tion of the fuel is eiected. This whirling. mass moves axiallyrin the tip toward the ejection outlet 44 and meets the streams or jets of steam or air entering the tip throughthe. channels 45. As

these streams or jets entering through the channels 45. strike the whirling mass after it has already obtained a high` velocity due to injection through the channels 43, the mass is whirled at a stillhigher velocity whereby the atomizationl of the fuel is increased to a much higher degree than is possible to obtain with burnersof theordinary type using milled slots or other forms orV arrangements of channels. rIhis is due tothe fact that the eciency of a jet is a function of the-V speed of a mass it is required to move. Byy theprovision of the air or steam injection channelsV 45, the whirling speed is not only greatly increased, producing a higher degree of atomization,

butthe whirling agent, air or steam, is more intimately admixed with the minute oil globules, so

that a. fuel mixture of maximum combustibility is` produced. This mixture feeds in the form of a slightly converging conical. mass to theconical outlet 44 and then discharges in the form of a diverging hollow conical stream through the burner outlet 25, where it is suitably ignited.

The result of atomizingthefuel in the manner described is to provide a method of atomization which effects a saving in steam or air consumption and reduces liability of irregularities of action of the burner and furnishes a highly combustible fuel which will leave less residue, so that frequent cleaning of the burner is unnecessary. By increasing the number of'rows of air or steam jets employed, the whirl velocity of the mass in the whirl chamber may be increased to degrees allowing atomization andi burningk of heavy liquid hydrocarbon fuels as well asthe spinning and-mixing of powdered coal with awhirling and combustion-.promoting agent, so that low grade liquid hydrocarbon oils and powdered-coal may be used as fuel with this typeof burner.

In the operation of the burner as used in this system the Voperation airl is-preferably employed as Vthe gaseous combustion promoting agent andwhirlingv medium for` supply to both sets of chan-- nels 143 and 45m starting the burnerintoactionand until. steam generation begins from` which time, as the steam line 2l is-directl-y connected with the atomizing line `leading to the burner., mixed steam and airv will be suppliedl to the' channels 43and 45. until a; cer-tain boiler pres.- sure is reached, after which the supply oi air is` cutroi andsteamalone supplied to both sets. of channels 43 and 45for use as the combustion promoting and whirling medium to secure greater burner efiiciency in employing the burner in connection with a steamgenerator, asherein-V after. described. By. thus mixing steam .withthe airasv soon as possible after theburner is started, the temperature ofthe mixture is raised to secure quicker high atomization of the fuel whileair is being` used, without liability of leakage `of steam` into the air line before the air supply is cut oir.

It is to be understood that the delivery ends:- of the sets of passages 43 and 45 may communicate with the whirl chamber in longitudinal alinement with each other, or that they maybe staggered relative to each other or otherwise arranged to secure a proper whirling action in the whirl chamber.

The blower employed is Aofthe paddle Ytype; and

the blower rotor, the steam turbine rotor and..

the electric motor armature. In normal operation, the shaft isdriven bythe-turbine, the speedV beingcontro1led by automatically throttling the steam. supplyto the turbine according totherate of combustion required tomaintainv boiler pressure., In order to drivethe blower setwhen steam-,is not availableas in starting a cold4 boiler, the electric motor is used. This motorv has not sufficient power to drive thesetat full speed, and, steanfr is therefore admitted to the; turbine as soon as the :boiler starts to generate steam. The elec-tric motor,` is alsoY not depended upon" for blower drive, as itis necessary to keep up steam; even when poweris shut off from the third rail`v or other source of electric current supply. The combustion control isl Ibased, upon the fact thatl air delivered bya blower andKA fuel oil, delivered by a rotary pump both vary directly as thegspeedsA of the'A shafts. Whenl the fuel pump is driven by,v the blower shaft there is obtained a fixed ratio between volumes of air and fuel delivered in a unit time, asthey are bothvaried coordinately and concomitantly by changing the speed oftheir commondrive shaft.

The steam supply connections include, inaddition to the pipe line 2 the pipe line 4, leading fromva super-heater 46, and thepipe line 2l leading from the line 4, a. pipe 41 leadingv froml the pipe 4, a pipe 48-leading from the pipe 2, and apipe 49 leading fromV the pipel 48 to the steamy turbine I3. In pipe 2| isl an' atomizing steamcontrol key-metering valve .50; in pipe 48k is a` blower motor control pressure switch 5| controlling a blower motor contacter` 5,8; governing,v the How of current from thecurrent source to the blower motor I2 and also operating to close a valve 60 to stop the flow of air tothe atomizing burner when the steam pressure is sufficient for;`

atomizing the oil; and connected to pipes 41 and 4d is a diaphragm yoperatediturbine throttle valve 52 which is subjected to the `opposing forces of .a spring tending to open the valvel 52A and boiler pressure on top of the diaphragm tendingxto close,

' steam to the turbine and viceversa.

the valve. These forces are-so proportioned thatthey throttle the steam tothe turbine when the.

boiler pressure approaches maximum and increases the flowl of steam tothe turbine when thev boiler pressure starts to fall away from maximum. When the boiler is in normal operation generating steam the speed` of` the blower-motor set is controlled through this valve 52 as afunction of boiler pressure,l the valve throttling the.v A key-- meteringvalve 52a is provided in a bypass `line around valve 52 to supply suiiicient steam top drive the turbine blower motor fuel pumpset ata low speed and maintain the fire when the boiler,r pressure has reached its maximum value and valve-.52 is closed.

The flow of fueloil fromfthevpurnp is adjusted;-

by opening orclosing a-by-passvalve 53. A pressure relief valve 54 inthe fuel line is set to open at200 lbs. pressure to protect the pump from high pressures. In thefuel line is also arelief valve 55 set to start openingat 20 lbs. through whichl nearly all theoil to the burner must pass.v Its-v 'mp-purpose is to maintain aminimum'pressure on 753,1:l1as another vdesirable and important ',action.- At;v

the,- -pump discharge rline of such value that theinflursncer ofback` pressure fromgthe fuel tank., through valve 53 will have no appreciable effect-JH onV the flow of cil to the burner. ThisvalveiS asseoir low speeds of the -blower-motor-turbine oil'pump the 'discharge of the oilpump is insufficient to keepthe oil pressure up 'so that the relief valve throttles the fiow of oil in the main fuel line to the burner. This throttle action works through the whole range of operation of valve 55 from closed to fully open position, or vice versa. Such action of the valve is ideally suited to the standby load on the boiler which occurs when the train line valve is closed, as it reduces the fuel supply to the burner more than the air from the blower is reduced.' The percentage of CO2 in the exhaust is thereby reduced and the boiler settled at a certain pressure below the safety valve settings without introducing any other control mechanism to obtain this very desirable low-fire condition. A valve 56 is provided to allow some oil to by-pass valve 55 when the pump discharge pressure is below 20 lbs. The feed of oil to the burner is'controlled by an electric solenoid valve 51 capable of stopping all oil flow to the burner. It is interlocked with the atomizing pressure through blower motor contactor switch 58 in such manner that an atomizing pressure of 8 lbs. is necessary to close an atomizer pressure control switch 59 and complete an electric circuit to the valve 51. If the atomizing pressure drops below lbs. switch 59 opens and de-energizes valve 51, stopping the iiow of fuel oil to the burner.

It will thus be understood that relief valve 55 starts to close and thereby throttle the flow of fuel to the burner at the lower blower-motorturbine fuel pump speeds or when valve 52 is closed or nearly closed. Thus the flow of fuel to the burner is reduced below the amount necessary for good combustion and a low or inefficient flame is produced in the fire-box. The effect of the ineicient flame allows the boiler to operate without blowing the safety valves during a stand-by period without letting the fire go out. By-pass valve 56 protects the system in the event that valve 55 closes completely by allowing enough fuel to flow to the burner to sustain a low flame.

Inthe atomizing line 20, with which pipes 3 and 2| connect and in which switch 59 is located, is also located an electric solenoid valve 50 which, when energized, allows air from pipe 3 to flow to the burner. It is interlocked to the contactor switch 58 so that when the electric drive to the blower-motor set is disconnected by the opening of switches 5l and 58 valve Gil is also closed to stop the ow of air to the burner. A key-metering valve 6I in the atomizing line regulates the flow of air to the burner. It is adjusted to reduce the steam pressure from 210 lbs. to 18 lbs. at the normal steam ow required for the burner. A relief valve 62 is provided in the atomizing line to prevent the accumulation of more than 25 lbs. pressure.

The main and blower-motor-turbine circuits are shown in Figures 2 and 3. The blowermotor circuit includes a source of current supply and the blower-motor contactor switch 58, while the main circuit includes a circuit breaker through which the circuit is energized with current from a battery or other supply source on the Y car, a starting switch 53, a stop switch 64, a starting and running relay 65, blower-motor control pressure switch and contacter f 5l, atomized pressure control switch 59, fuel line magnet valve 51, air magnet valve 6D, and blower-motor contactor 58'.

In starting theboiler, on closing of switch v63,

current passes through the turbo-'blowe'r-motor 15 is generating,

pressure switch 5|, thus energizing coil 5B"and,

supply valve 50, opening the air line from the main reservoir to the burner through the atomizing line 20. When the pressure in the atomizing line builds up to 8 lbs. switch 59 closes and passes current to the valve 51 which opens and allows flow of oil to the burner. The oil is then atomized in the manner described and ignited by torch or spark ignition and the boiler starts absorbing the heat of combustion. When the boiler starts to make steam, the blower-motor-turbineoil set speed is increased' by the flow of steam to the turbine through line 49 and steam is also admitted to the atomizing line 20 from line 2 l The valve 6l prevents the atomizing pressure from building up to more than 25 lbs. At 175 lbs. boiler pressure valve 5I opens, cutting out the electric drive from the blower-motor-oil pump set and shutting off the air supply from pipe 3 to the Iburner. The blower-motor-turbine-oil set is now driven by steam supplied to the turbine, which is controlled by the Valve 52 as a function of boiler pressure. As the pressure increases or decreases valve 52 throttles the steam to the turbine, and vice versa. The functions of the other control parts in the generating action after generation begins have been described in the foregoing de- .from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a steam generator, a boiler, a burner for heating the boiler, fuel supplying means including a fuel supply line and a pump arranged therein for supplying fuel therethrough to the burner, an air supply line in connection with a source of supply of compressed air independent of the fuel supplying means for supplying air to the burner to atomize the fuel in a starting action, a steam supply line connecting the boiler with the burner for supplying steam to the burner when the boiler is generating, an electrically controlled air cut off valve in the air line, an electric circuit including the valve, boiler pressure controlled switching means in said circuit operative when the boiler begins to generate steam at a predeto atomize the fuel in a starting action, a steam supply line connecting the boiler with the burner for supplying steam to the burner when the boiler an electrically controlled air cut off valve in the aii` line, an electric circuit including the valve, and boiler pressure controlled switching means in said circuit operative when the boiler begins to generate steam at a predetermined pressure to cause the air cut off valve to close.

3. In a steam generator, a boiler, a gaseous atomizing type burn-er for heating the boiler, a pump for supplying fuel to the burner, an air supply line for supplying air to the burner to atomize the fuel in a starting action, a steam supply line connecting the boiler with the burner for supplying steam to the burner when the boiler is generating steam, an electrically controlled air out oif valve in the air line, an electrical circuit including the valve, boiler pressure controlled switching means in said circuit operative when the boiler begins to generate steam at a predetermined pressure to cause said valve to close and cut olf the supply of air to the burner, and a key metering valve in the str am supply line for regulating the ilow of steam therethrough to the burner.

4. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomizing burner for heating the boiler, a fuel supply line leading thereto, a pump for supplying fuel through said line to the burner, means for driving the pump, an automatically *closing throttle valve in the fuel line between the pump and burner responsive to fuel pressure delivered by the pump so as to move to a maximum open position at a predetermined high pump speed and being variably movable between the same and its closed position at lower pump speeds, a fuel cut off valve in the fuel line between the throttle valve and burner, an atomizing line connected to the burner for delivering a gaseous atomizing agent at a predetermined operating pressure thereto, and pressure controlled automatic means for closing said cut off valve when-the pressure in the atomizing line falls to a predetermined degree below the operating pressure.

5. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomizing burner for heating the boiler, a fuel line leading thereto, a pump for supplying fuel throughv said line to the burner, means for driving the pump,

`a by-pass connection in the fuel line about the pump, a by-pass valve in said connection adjustable to control the ilow of fuel from the pump, a relief valve in said connection to protect the pump from high pressures, an automatically opening throttle valve in the fuel line between said by-pass connection and the burner responsive to fuel pressure delivered by the pump to move to a maximum open position at a predetermined high pump speed and being variably movable between the same and its closed position at lower pump speeds, an electrically controlled fuel cut olf valve in the fuel line between the throttle valve and burner, an atomizing line leading to the burner, means connected with the atomizing line for conducting a gaseous atomizing agent under pressure thereto, an electric circuit, a switch in said circuit for closing the fuel cut olf valve, and pressure controlled means for operating the switch to cause said cut olf valve to close when the pressure in the atomizing line falls to a predetermined low degree.

6. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomizing burner for heating the boiler, a fuel supply line leading thereto, a pumpy for supplying fuel through said line to the burner, means for driving the pump, an automatically closing throttle valve in the fuel line between the.k pump and burner responsive to fuel pressure delivered by the pump to move to a predetermined open posin tion at a high pump speed and variably movable between the same and its closed position at lower pump speeds, a by-pass valve in the fuel line about the throttle valve to allow flow of fuel past the valve when said valve is closed, an electric circuit, an electrically controlled fuel cut off valve in the fuel line between the throttle valve and burner, an atomizing line connected with theburner, means for supplying an atomizing agent under pressure to the atomizing line, and pressure controlled switching means in said circuit operative to cause said cut off valve to close when the pressure in the atomizing line falls to a predetermined low degree.

7. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomizing burner for heating the boiler, an electric circuit, a pump for supplying fuel to the burner, an electric motor in said circuit for driving the pump for a starting action, a steam turbine for driving the pumpl when generation of steam begins, an atomizing line leading to the burner, a conductor in communication with the atomizing line for supplying air from a source of compressed air supply to the burner for atomizing the fuel, a conductor for supplying steam to the turbine to drive the same, a conductor for supplying steam to the atomizing line for passage to the burner to atomize the fuel, a switch governing the supply of electric current to the motor to drive the motor for a starting action during Which the pump is operated by the motor to `supply fuel to the burner and atomizing air and steam are being supplied to the burner through the atomizing line, a boiler pressure controlled switch for cutting off the supply of electric current to the motor when the `boiler generates steam at a predetermined pressure, a boiler pressure controlled cut-01T valve in the yelectric circuit for cutting oif the supply of atomizing air to the burner when such predetermined pressure is reached, and a pressurecontrolled valved in the first-named steam conductor to control the supply of steam to the turbine and regulate its speed as a function of boiler pressure.

8. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomizing burner for heating the boiler, a pump for supplying fuel to the burner, an electric circuit, an electric motor in said circuit for `driving the pump for a starting action, a steam turbine for driving the pump when generation of steam begins, an atomizingline connected to the burner, a conductor in communication with the atomizing line for supplying air from a source of compressed air supply to the burner for atomizing the fuel, a conductor for supplying steam to the turbine to drive the same, a conductor connected to the atomizing line for supplying steam to the burner to atomize the fuel, a switch in the electric circuit for supplying electric current to drive the electric motor for a starting action during which the pump is operated by the electric motor to supply fuel to the burner by the pump while atomizing air is being supplied to the burner through the air conductor, a boiler pressure controlled switch for cutting off the supply of current to the motor when the boiler generates steam at a predetermined pressure, a boiler pressure controlled cut-off valve for cutting off the supply of atomizing air to the burner when such predetermined pressure is reached, ra pressure controlled valve in the first-named steam conductor controlling the supply of steam to the turbine and operative to regulate its speed as a function of boiler pressure, a normally open fuel cut-olf valve in the fuel supply line between the pump and burner, means in said fuel supply lin for maintaining a feed pressure in said line above a predetermined low pressure during varying speed operations of the pump, and a pressure operated device for closing said fuel cut-off valve when the pressure in the atomizing line drops below a predetermined pressure.

9. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomiz- Ving burner for heating the boiler, a pump for supplying fuel to the burner, an electric motor for driving the pump for a starting action, a steam turbine for driving the pump when generation of steam begins, a conductor normally in .communication with the burner for supplying 'airl thereto from a source of `compressed air supply for atomizing the fuel, a conductor for supplying steam to the turbine to drive the same, a conductor ,for supplying steam to the burner to atomize the fuel, means for supplying electric current to drive the electric motor for a starting action during which the pump is operated thereby to supply fuel to the burner while atomizing air is being `supplied to the burner through the air conductor, a boiler pressure controlled switch for cutting off the supply of current to the motor when the boiler generates steam at a pressure sufficient to supply ,steam through the first-named steam conductor to drive the -turbine and to supply steam through the second-named steam conductor to the burner to atomize the fuel, and a boiler pressure controlled cut-off valve for cutting off the supply of atomizing air to the burner when vsuch boiler pressure is reached.

Y 10. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomizing burner for heating the boiler, means including a source of fuel supply and a pump for supplying fuel from said source to the burner, means :independent of the fuel supplying means and including a conductor for supplying air to the burner for atomization of the fuel for a starting action, a conductor for supplying steam from the boiler to the burner for atomization of the fuel when the boiler is generating steam, an

electric circuit, an electrically operated cut-ofi` yvalve in the electric circuit controlling the flow of air to the burner through the air supply conductor, a pressure responsive switch device in said circuit operative when the boiler pressure reaches a certain degree-to cause said valve to close and cut ofi the supply of air to the burner,

and means in said steam conductor for regulating the amount of steam flowing therethrough to the burner.

11. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomizing burner for heating the boiler, means including a source of fuel supply and a pump for asupplying fuel from said source to the burner, an electric motor for driving the pump, a steam turbine for driving the pump, means independent of the fuel supplying means and including `a conductor for supplying air to the burner for atomization of the fuel for a starting action, a conductor for supplying steam from the boiler to the turbine to drive the turbine when a predetermined boiler pressure is reached, a conductor for supplying steam from the boiler to the burner for atomization of the fuel, an elec- -tric circuit, an electrically operated cut-off valve in the air supply conductor, a cut out switch controlling the supply of electric current to the motor, a switch controlling said cut-off valve, a pressure responsive device in said circuit con- -trolling the action of said switches to cut out the electric motor and cut off the supply of air to the burner when the boiler reaches the predetermined degree for driving the turbine, and a pressure controlled valve in the first-named steam conductor for controlling the supply of steam to the turbine.

l2. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomizing burner for heating the boiler,` a pump for supplying fuel to the burner, an electric circuit, a motor in said circuit for operating the pump for a starting action, a steam turbine for operating the pump when the boiler is generating steam, a conductor in connection with a source of compressed air supply independent of the pump and its said operating elements for supplying air to the burner to atomize the fuel, an electrically operated cut-off valve in the air supply conductor, an electrically operated valve for cutting off the supply of current to the motor, switches in the electric circuit for controlling the valves, a boiler pressure responsive device controlling said switches and operative when the boiler after a starting action begins to generate steam at a predetermined pressure to actuate said switches so as to cause the firstnamed valve to cut off the supply of atomizing air to the burner and to cause the second-named valve to cut off the supply of current to the motor, a conductor for supplying steam from the boiler to the burner to atomize the fuel when the boiler is generating, a steam supplying system for supplying steam from the boiler to the turbine to drive the same, and a governing valve in said system for regulating the flow of steam from the boiler to the turbine.

13. In a steam generator, a boiler, a burner for heating the boiler, a pump for supplying fuel to the burner, an electric circuit, a motor in said circuit for operating the pump for a starting action, a steam turbine for operating the pump when the boiler is generating steam, a conductor in connection with a source of compressed air supply independent of the pump and its said operating elements for supplying air to the burner toV atomize the fuel, an electrically operated cut oif valve in the air supply conductor, a switch in the circuit for closing said valve, a switch in the circuit for cutting off the supply of current to the motor, a boiler pressure responsive device controlling said switches and operative when the boiler after being started into operation begins to generate steam at a predetermined pressure to actuate the switches to close the air cut off valve and to cut out the motor, a conductor for supplying steam from the boiler to the turbine to drive the same, a conductor for supplying steam to the burner to atomize the fuel, a valve in the first named steam conductor responsive to the boiler pressure when such predetermined pressure is reached to regulate the supply of steam yfrom the boiler to the turbine, and a key-metering valve for regulating the flow of steam through the second-named steam conductor.

14. In a steam generator, a boiler, a burner for heating the boiler, a fuel supply line leading thereto, a fuel supply pump in said line, a blower for supplying combustion air to the boiler firebox, said pump and blower being concurrently operative to supply fuel to the burner and ccmbustion air to the reboX in fixed ratio, a bypass in the fuel line about the pump, a pressure relief valve in said by-pass, an electric motor for concurrently driving the pump and blower in a starting action and until the boiler is generating steam, a steam turbine for concurrently driving izgzseepm the pump and blowerwhen theboiler is `"generating steam at and above a predetermined Lpress'ure,

'means for supplying electric-current todrivethe electric motor, boiler pressure controlled electrical means for cutting off the supply 'of current to the electric motor when the boiler pres- 'sure reaches the predetermined degree, a steam supply conductor lbetween Athe boilerand turbine, a pressure controlled valve for regulating the supply of steam through said conductor to the tur-i for heating Ythe boiler, a fuel fsupply vline .leading thereto, a fuel supply pump 'in -said line, a blower for supplying combustion air to the boiler inrebox, said pump and blower being 'concurrently operative to supply fuel vto Lthe burner and combustio'n air to the rebox vin fl-Xed ratio, a by-pass in the fuel line about the pump, a relief valve in said by-pass, an `electric motor for concurrently driving the pump and blower for a start-ingaction `and until the boiler generates steam, 'a steam turbine for concurrently driving the pump and I' blower when the boiler is generating-steammeans for supplying electric current to A'drive the electric motor, pressure controlled electric means for cutting olf the supply of current to the motor when the boiler pressure reaches a certain-degree, an atomizing line connected with the burner, means for supplying an atomizing gas thereto 't0 atomize the fuel, a steam supply conductor connecting the boiler with lthe turbine, fa pressure controlled valve in said 'conductor for regulating the supply of steam to the turbine, an automatically closing, pressure-opened throttle valve inthe fuel line between the lby-pass and burner adapted to open to a maximum degree at a high pump speed and 'to close more or less at `lower rpump speeds to throttle the flow o'f'fuel from the pump to the burner to reduce the A'voluine of fuel supplied to the burner below the 'xed `ratio and with respect to thatof the volume o'f air being supplied by the blower rto the boiler 'reb'ox in-a unit of time so as to maintain the burner in action at a low pump speed, a fuel cut off valve in the fuel line between 'the throttle valve and burner, and a pressure operated 'device 'in the 'atomizing line operative when the pressure therein falls to a predetermined degree to close 'said fuel cut off valve.

16. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomiz'ing burner for heating the boiler, an atomizing line connected with the burner, means including a fuel `supply pipe and a pump for supplying `fuel from a source of fuel supply vto 'the burner, an electric motor for driving the pump, a steam 'turbine for driving the pump, means independent of the fuel supplying means and including a -c'onduotor connected with the atomizing lin'e 'for supplying air to the burner for atorniza'tion of `the fuel for a vstarting action, a conductor connected with the turbine for supplying steam thereto, a

conductor connected with the atomizing line "at" =a point between the burner and the point 'of connection of the air conductor with the atorniZi-ng line for supplying steam to the burner for atomization of the fuel when the boiler "is generating steam, an electric -circuit, a switch `for .letting on and "cuttingaorrV the supply iof current to the electricfmotor, an electrically operated air cuteoif valve 'in the atomizing line between said air conductor and 'the second-'namedsteam `supply conductor, an -electric fuel cut oif Vvalve 'in thefuel supply line, a pressure operated switchin the -atomizing line 'for energizing said valve to hold it "open when a predetermined working pressure in the'fuel vline 'exists and operative to deenergize and :cause said valve to 'close when the pressure in the -atornizing line falls toa certaindegree, a :key-metering valve in the atomizing vline between Vsaid air and steam supply lines for regu- 'lating the flow-of air to the burner, a relief valve in the atomizing line between the burner and the steam supply 'pipe for preventing the accumulation of more than 'a predetermined degree'of pressure in the line, "a pressure responsive switch device in Vthe electric circuit operative when vthe boiler pressure reaches Va 'certain degree to cause said air cut off valve to close and cutf-oi the supply of atomizing 'air 'to the burner and to simultaneously operate the 'first-named switch `to cu'troi the supply of felectr'ic current to the electric motor, and a vpressure controlled valve in the nrst-'named steam conductor for regulating the supply of steam to theturbin'e.

17. In :a steam generator, va boiler, `an atomizing burner for heating the boilenan atomizing line connected with the burner, `means including a source of .fuel supply vand a pump `for supplying fuel from "said source to the burner, an electric motor for 'driving 'th-e pump, asteam turbine Vfor driving the pump, means 4independent of the fuel supplying means and including a vconductor'connected with the atomizing line for supplying air to the burner for atomization of the fuel for a starting action, a 'conductor connected with the turbine for supplying steam'thereto, a conductor connected with the atomizing line at a point'be- Atween ythe burner Yand the point of connection 'of the -air conductor with the atomiz'ing line for supplying steam to the burner for atomization of the fuel when the boiler is generating steam, an electric circuit, .an electrically operated cu't off valve in the atomizing line between said air and steam vsupply conductors, a key-'metering Avalve in the atomizing line between said supply pipes for regulating the flow of air to the burner, a relief valve inthe atomizing line between the burner and the steam supply pipe for :preventing the `accumulation of more `than a .predetermined degree 'of 4.pressure in the line, pressure responsive switching means iin the electric circuit voperative when ,theboiler `pressure reaches a certain degree to cause thecut off valve to close and cut off the supply of a'tornizing air to the burner and to simultaneously `cut off the supply of electric current to the electric lmotor, 'and ya pressure vcontrolled valve in the Vsteam conductorleading to the Yturbine for controlling the supply of steam thereto.

18. In a steam generator, a boiler, Aan atomizing 'burner for .heating the boiler, an atomizing line connected with the burner, means including a source of Yfuel'suppl'y and a pump forsupplying fuel from said source to the burner, :means .independent of'the fuel supplying means and including 'a conductor connected with the ratomizing line .for Asupplying air tothe burner for atomization of the fuel in a starting action, a conductor connect'ed with the atomizing line `at a point between the burner and the point of connection of the Vair conductor with :the atomizing line'for-supplying steam from theboiler to the burner for atomization of the fuel when the boiler is generating steam, an electric circuit, an electrically opera-ted cut off valve in the atomizing line between said air and steam supply conductors, a key-metering valve in the atomizing line between said valves and steam supply pipe for regulating the flow of air to the burner, a relief valve in the atomizing line between the burner and the steam supply pipe for preventing the accumulation of more than a predetermined degree of pressure in the atomizing line, a fuel cut off valve in the atomizing line, a pressure controlled device operative to close the fuel cut oiT valve when the pressure in said line falls below a certain degree, a pressure responsive switch device in the electric circuit operative when the boiler pressure reaches a certain degree to cause said air cut off valve to close and stop the supply of atomizing air to the burner, and a key-metering valve in the steam conductor regulating the supply of steam to the burner.

19. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomizing burner for heating the boiler, an atomizing line connected with the burner, means including a source of fuel supply and a pump for supplying fuel from said source to the burner, means independent of the fuel supplying means and including a conductor connected with the atomizing line for supplying air to the burner for atomization of the fuel for a starting action, a conductor leading from the boiler to the atomizing line and connected to the atomizing line at a point between the burner and the point of connection of the air conductor with the atomizing line for supplying steam from the boiler to the burner for atomization of the fuel when the boiler is generating steam, an electric circuit, an electrically operated cut off valve in the atomizing line between said air and supply conductors, a key-metering valve in the atomizing line between said supply pipes for regulating the iiow of air to the burner, a relief valve in the atomizing line between the burner and steam supply pipe for preventing the accumulation of more than a predetermined degree of pressure in the line, and a pressure responsive switch device in said circuit operative when the boiler pressure reaches a certain degree to cause said air cut off valve to close and cut oif the supply of air to the burner.

20. In a steam generator, a boiler, an atomizing burner for heating the boiler, an atomizing line connected with the burner, means including a fuel supply pipe and a pump for supplying fuel from a source of fuel supply through the said pipe to the burner, means independent of the fuel supplying means and including a conductor connected with the atomizing line for supplying air to the burner for atomization of the fuel for a starting action, a conductor connected with the atomizing line -at a point between the burner and the point of connection of the air conductor with the atomizing line for supplying steam to the burner for atomization of the fuel when the boiler is generating steam, an electric circuit, an electrically operated cut o valve for cutting off the flow of air to the burner through the atomizing line, between a fuel cut off valve in the fuel supply pipe, a pressure operated switch in the atomizing line for energizing said valve to hold it open when a predetermined working pressure in the atomizing line exists and operative to deenergize and cause said valve to close when the pressure in the atomizing line falls to a certain degree, pressure responsive switch device in the electric circuit operative when the boiler pressure reaches a certain degree to cause said valve to close and cut off the supply of atomizing air to the burner, and

means for regulating the supply of the steam to the burner through the steam conductor.

2l. In a steam generator, a boiler, a gaseous atomizing type burner for heating the boiler, a motor driven pump for supplying fuel to the burner, means including a conductor for supplying air from a source of supply independent of the pump to the burner for atomization of the fuel for a starting action, a normally open cut off valve in said conductor, a separate conductor for supplying steam from the boiler to the burner for atomization of the fuel when the boiler is generating, said conductors being in communication with the boiler for the supply of steam with the air to the burner when the air cut off valve is open and for the supply of steam alone to the burner when the air cut oiT valve is closed, and means responsive to boiler pressure to close the air out off valve to cut off the supply of air to the burner when the pressure reaches a certain degree.

22. In a steam generator, a boiler, a gaseous atomizing type burner for heating the boiler, a fuel supply line connected with the burner, a motor driven pump for supplying fuel through said line to the burner, an air supply line for supplying air to the burner from a source of supply independent of the pump to atomize the fuel, a steam supply pipe leading to the burner, means responsive to boiler pressure and operating after generation of steam begins and when a predetermined boiler pressure is reached to close the air cut off valve, whereby during a generating period before such pressure is reached both air and steam will be supplied to the burner to atomize the fuel and whereby upon the closing of the cut off valve steam alone will be supplied to the burner to atomize the fuel, and means for regulating the supply of steam to the burner through the steam supply pipe.

23. In a steam generator, a boiler, a gaseous atomizing type burner for heating the boiler, a motor driven pump for supplying fuel to the burner, means including a conductor for supplying air from a source of supply independent of the pump to the burner for atomization of the fuel for a starting action, a normally open cut off valve in said conductor, a separate conductor for supplying steam from the boiler to the burner for atomization of the fuel when the boiler is generating, means responsive to boiler pressure to close the valve to cut off the supply of air to the burner when the boiler pressure reaches a certain degree, and means for thereafter regulating the speed of the fuel pump as a function of boiler pressure.

24. In a steam generator, a boiler, a burner for heating the boiler, a pump for supplying fuel to the burner, an electric motor for operating the pump, a steam turbine for operating the pump, means including a conductor for supplying air from a source of supply independent of the pump tothe burner for atomization of the fuel for a starting action when the pump is driven by the electric motor, a normally open cut-off valve in said conductor, a separate conductor for supplying steam to the burner for atomization of the fuel when the boiler is generating and the pump is driven by the turbine, a conductor for supplying steam to the turbine, means responsive to boiler pressure for stopping the electric motor and closing the valve in the air conductor to cut off the supply of air to the burner 17 when the boiler pressure reaches a certain degree, and means for thereafter controlling the supply of steam to the turbine through the lastnamed conductor and regulating its speed as a function of boiler pressure.

25. In a steam generator, a boiler, a burner for heating the boiler, a pump for supplying fuel to the burner, an electric motor for operating the pump, a steam turbine for operating the pump, a conductor connected with a source of air supply independent of the pump for supplying air to the burner for atomization of the fuel for a starting action when the pump is driven by the electric motor, an electrically operated air cut-off valve in said conductor, a conductor for supplying steam from the boiler to the turbine, a conductor for supplyingsteam from the boiler to the burner for atomization of the fuel when the boiler is generating and the pump is being driven by the turbine, electrically operated switches and associated means responsive to boiler pressure for controlH ling said switches to cut out the electric motor and close the air cut-off valve to out oif the supply of air to the burner when the boiler pressure reaches a degree at which steam is supplied through the first-named steam conductor to drive the turbine, and means operative when such boiler pressure is reached for thereafter controlling the supply of steam to the turbine and regu lating its speed as a function of boiler pressure,

26. In a steam generator, a boiler, a gaseous atomizing fuel burner for heating the boiler, an atomizing line leading to the burner, a pump for supplying fuel to the burner, an electric motor for driving the pump, a steam turbine for driving the pump, a conductor for supplying air from a source of supply independent of the pump 'through the atomizing line to the burner for adrnixture with the fuel when the pump is driven by the electric motor, a conductor for supplying steam from the boiler through the atomizing line to the burner for admixture with the fuel when the pump is driven by the turbine, a conductor for supplying steam from the boiler to the turbine to drive the latter when the boiler pressure reaches a certain degree, a pump-pressure-controlled throttle valve for regulating the ow of fuel from the pump to the burner, means responsive to boiler pressure for stopping the electric motor and cutting off the supply of air to the burner when the boiler pressure reaches a degree at which steam is being supplied to drive the turbine, and means for thereafter controlling the supply of steam to the turbine and regulating its speed as a function of boiler pressure.

27. In a steam generator, a boiler, a gaseous atomizing type burner for heating the boiler, a fuel supply line connected with the burner, a steam turbine driven pump for supplying fuel through said line to the burner, an air supply line for supplying air to the burner to atomizethe fuel from a. source of supply of air independent of the pump, a normally open cut-or valve in the air supply line, a steam supply line for supplying steam from the boiler to the burner to atomize the fuel, a steam supply line for supplying steam from the boiler to the turbine to drive the pump, means responsive to boiler pressure and acting after generation of steam begins and when a predetermined boiler pressure is reached to close the air cut-off valve, whereby during a steam generating period before such pressure is reached both air and steam will be supplied to the burner to atomize the fuel and whereby upon the closing of the air cut-off valve steam alone will be supplied to the burner to atomize the fuel, and boiler pressure controlled means operating when such predetermined boiler pressure is reached to control the supply of steam to the turbine to regulate the speed of the turbine and pump as a function of boiler pressure.

LAWRENCE C. SIMMONS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in lthe file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,316,680 Bryan Sept. 23, 1919 1,596,147 Bostedo Aug. 17, 1926 1,661,450 Van Sant Mar. 6, 1928 1,684,079 White Sept. 11, 1928 1,772,597 Trinkle Aug. 12, 1930 2,116,943 Hamilton et al May 10, 1938 2,364,489 Taylor Dec. 5, 1944 2,384,420 Griswold Sept. 4, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 324,330 Germany Aug. 25, 1920 

